Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A long vacation Past Review

By (Santa Reparata International School of Art) - abroad from 08/17/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

Study Abroad at SRISA: Accredited Year - Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Design

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Was not impressed academically or challenged. Extremely low resources in Italy.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Sculpture was lacking a lot of tools. SRISA should not be having classes until they can provide a wider range of tools with possibilities to meet the needs of the students during the semester. If the history class is using one book for the majority of the semester, please provide more than a single copy in the library. Field trips during class (history of contemporary art) in which you pay course fees, should actually happen. The split of the fashion class between Enrica and Sophie was fine, but they need to communicate and get on the same page. Often the students were relying messages and it was clear they had not spoken in weeks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Did not feel comfortable or welcoming. Was often talked down to in a condenscending way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was great but when small issues arised, few things were fixed.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I learned mostly about the flood and nothing else. That program needs to revised and shortened. I think some cooking and wine classes as part of the cultural weeks events would be greatly appreciated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I handled my own health issues.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would go to a city with a stronger contemporary art scene.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Florence was pretty cheap to live.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries. Cool from home. Paninis are great and easy way to stay on budget. Sandwich chic does a 3.5€ deal with a drink for students and is super close to the school.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Some classes
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Get duolingo - it's free

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Marta
  • Large studios for 3D students
  • Fashion show
* What could be improved?
  • More tools
  • Better cultural events
  • Options to show work in galleries throughout the semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? SRISA is not accredited for graduate studies. Post baccalaureates will not have their own show. Italy is not a place for any good contemporary art or good discussion. Fly - Travel out of Pisa Airport. Florence is just a tourist town Gyms are expensive Have fun - it's about the experience.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!